Patient Safety

As a leading health care provider in the Lompoc Valley, we are firmly committed your safety. This includes your physical safety as well as protecting you from inadvertent exposure to hazardous materials and wastes, minimizing the risk of hospital-borne infections and ensuring that our hospital is prepared for any emergency or disaster.

Through our Facilities Management and Safety departments, we continually review our safety procedures and implement changes to further improve the safety of our patients and visitors alike.

We develop and implement policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines to ensure the safety of our workforce by properly training them in hazardous materials handling and emergency/disaster response.

One of the cornerstones of our safety program is patient involvement. We encourage our patients to communicate their concerns about safety and the quality of care.

What You Can Do

Thank you for choosing Lompoc Valley Medical Center. Our number one goal is to provide you with a safe and high-quality care experience. Our physicians and staff are dedicated to meeting your needs. You can help assure your safety by partnering with your care team in the ways outlined in this brochure.

Hand Hygiene

Did you know that not washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to spread an infection? Our staff members will wash their hands (or use a hand sanitizer) each time before they care for you. Don't be afraid to ask your caregivers if they have washed their hands. Ask your family and visitors to wash their hands as well.

Contact Precautions

Depending on your illness, we may need to protect ourselves and others by not directly touching surfaces or articles that you have touched. This is known as "contact precautions." Staff and visitors may be required to wear protective gowns and gloves. If you are placed on contact precautions, your caregiver will review the specific requirements with you.

If you are here for a surgical or invasive procedure, there are several activities that we undertake to help keep you safe:

Your physician and care team will confirm your identity, and the nature and side or site of your surgery/procedure with you. If you believe any of this information is incorrect, notify staff immediately.

The site or side of your surgery may be marked prior to the surgery being performed. This is to assure that the surgery is performed on the correct part of your body. You will be asked to confirm that the correct side or site is being marked.

You may be given antibiotics before and after your surgery to help prevent infection. Let your doctor know if you have any allergies to medications. The site of your surgery may also be cleansed with a disinfectant.

Fall Safety

Help us serve you better.

Your wellness is our primary concern. Falls are a leading cause of injury in hospitals. If we suggest you ask for help getting in or out of bed, please do. If you have the slightest doubt that you are steady enough to be on your own, call us for help. Don’t be reluctant to call us when getting up or moving. We’re there for you, just seconds away.